To strengthen American competitiveness in energy, the DOE’s ARPA-E department is focusing on advanced nuclear
Jul 16, 2024
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The podcast discusses the efforts of DOE's ARPA-E in advancing energy technologies, with a focus on advanced nuclear. They explore reducing costs, improving efficiency, and government initiatives in sponsoring new uranium supply sources. The impact of Biden's support for small modular reactors and the challenges and opportunities in the nuclear energy sector are also analyzed.
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Quick takeaways
ARPA-E focuses on advanced nuclear to provide reliable power, aiming to reduce costs and enhance efficiency.
US government supports nuclear innovation by reducing barriers, increasing competitiveness, and investing in next-gen reactor technologies.
Deep dives
Innovation in Advanced Nuclear Technology
The Department of Energy's ARPA-E has been funding transformative energy technology projects, particularly focusing on advanced nuclear to provide reliable power to American homes. Jennifer Shafer from RPE highlights the major cost drivers in new nuclear projects, emphasizing construction expenses. Research is directed towards reducing waste, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing advanced nuclear deployment.
Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy Mission
ARPA-E, initiated in 2009, focuses on reducing imports, emissions, improving efficiency, and enhancing American competitiveness in energy technologies. DARPA-E's programs encompass a broad range from batteries to nuclear, aiming to advance nuclear waste management and grid resiliency. Recent programs target decreasing capital costs, optimizing operational maintenance, and developing innovative nuclear waste management solutions.
Challenges and Innovations in Reactor Designs
The evolution of reactor designs includes small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors like sodium cooled fast reactors, molten salt reactors, and high temperature gas reactors. The industry faces technology risks, balancing capital and operational costs. Innovations in supply chain management, digital technologies, and predictive maintenance aim to enhance efficiencies in reactor construction and operation.
Funding, Workforce, and Market Dynamics
The US commits to deploying next-gen reactor technologies, balancing capital and operational expenses, aligning with workforce needs, and engaging with diverse off-takers in utility, industrial, and tech sectors. Government incentives, workforce development, supply chain stability, and regulatory support are vital factors in advancing nuclear innovation in a competitive global landscape.
The Department of Energy’s ARPA-E (Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy) is an agency tasked with the research and development of advanced energy technologies. Since 2009, they’ve provided nearly US$4 billion in funding for more than 1500 potentially transformative energy technology projects.
One particular area of focus for them at the moment is advanced nuclear. There’s a lot of potential for nuclear to deliver reliable power to millions of American homes, but projects are still finding costs prohibitive. Could advancements in technology be the thing to change this? Jenifer Shafer is Associate Director for Technology at ARPA-E, and she joins us to discuss initiatives in her department, and the focus on reducing imports, reducing emissions, improving efficiency and enhancing American competitiveness in clean energy manufacturing.
What are the priorities for nuclear? Is it advancements in technology, getting costs down, or removing regulatory barriers to deployment? To analyse the current state of the sector, Jenifer is are joined by David Brown, Director of Energy Transition Practice at Wood Mackenzie, for the second half of the show. Together they explore the impact of the Biden administration's US$900 million support for nuclear small modular reactors, and the government’s role in sponsoring new supply sources for uranium.
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